Interim Production Engineer

Job Advert: Interim Production Engineer – Manufacturing

Sector: Manufacturing

Remuneration: circa. £44,000 to £52,000 per annum or equivalent daily rate, depending on experience.

Location: Derby

Contract Type: Interim to Permanent Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled and adaptable Production Engineer to join a medium-sized manufacturing business based in Derby. This interim role, with the potential to transition to a permanent position, is ideal for candidates who can start within the next four-six weeks.

As the Interim Production Engineer, you will play a key role in optimising manufacturing operations, ensuring quality standards, and driving efficiency across the production process. You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, applying your technical expertise to improve processes, troubleshoot issues, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

This is a broad and dynamic role, encompassing elements of production engineering, quality assurance, and process optimisation. It is well-suited to individuals with a background in manufacturing and a practical understanding of production and quality principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and improve manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and meet production targets.
• Diagnose and resolve production issues, implementing practical engineering solutions to minimise downtime.
• Ensure that products meet required specifications and tolerances by working closely with quality teams to maintain standards such as ISO9001 and other relevant certifications.
• Create and update technical documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and control plans.
• Drive lean manufacturing and process improvement initiatives by identifying inefficiencies and recommending corrective actions.
• Support the implementation of new products into production, ensuring smooth transitions and robust processes.
• Evaluate and optimise tooling, fixtures, and equipment to ensure consistent and reliable production outputs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality, and engineering, to align on objectives and resolve operational bottlenecks.
• Track and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) related to productivity, quality, and delivery performance.
• Maintain adherence to health and safety regulations and industry standards.

Your Background

• Proven experience in production engineering (manufacturing and quality) within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality principles, and production optimisation techniques.
• Familiarity with quality management systems such as ISO9001 and tools including PFMEA, SPC, and CAPA.
• Experience with lean manufacturing and process improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma).
• Ability to diagnose and solve complex production issues using a hands-on, practical approach.
• Excellent technical documentation and communication skills.
• Knowledge of tooling, equipment optimisation, and production planning is advantageous.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Availability to start within the next four to six weeks.

What’s On Offer

• Competitive salary of £44,000 to £52,000 per annum or equivalent daily rate, depending on experience.
• Interim to permanent opportunity for the right candidate based on performance.
• A varied and hands-on role in a medium-sized business with significant growth potential.
• Chance to work across production, quality, and process improvement in a dynamic environment.
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful operational improvements and long-term business success.

If you are a motivated and experienced production engineer with a passion for manufacturing excellence and are looking for an interim-to-permanent role in Derby, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV to discuss this opportunity further in confidence.